New boreholes bring clean water to Vhembe village

LIMPOPO – The community of Tshififi village under the Tshikalange traditional leadership in Thulamela has received long-awaited relief from water shortages after the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) handed over two newly drilled boreholes recently.

For decades, residents of Tshififi, Mbahe, Tshamutilikwa and Tshitanini relied on the old system of drawing water from a ngwedzho (traditional borehole), which often left them without reliable access to clean water.

The new boreholes bring hope of clean, running water closer to their homes.

Vhembe Mayor, Freda Nkondo said the municipality is committed to improving water supply across rural areas.

“Water is life. Communities cannot cook, wash or drink without clean water. As we hand over these boreholes, I urge you to protect this infrastructure against vandalism. We are also deeply concerned about the so-called ‘water mafia’ and illegal connections, which cost the municipality millions in repairs and deny people their right to clean water,” she said.

Ward councillor Mathoma Tshamutilikwa welcomed the development, saying the shortages had forced many families to buy water from private borehole owners.

“These boreholes will make a big difference for our villages. People were struggling, sometimes even using their last money just to buy a few buckets of water,” she said.

Avhapfani Petrus Tshikalange, representing the Tshikalange Royal Council, thanked the municipality for addressing a long-standing challenge. “Our people suffered for years, relying on the old ngwedzho system. Now, with clean water coming from taps, life will be easier. We also want to assure the municipality that we will protect this infrastructure. Those who vandalise or connect illegally will not be tolerated,” he said.

Nkondo added that the district is also upgrading the Vondo Water Scheme to further expand water supply to rural communities around Makwarela township.